Welcome to Manila Food Finds!

There are hundreds of food establishments up and about that serves fine meals. But what happens if you get tired of the same old taste you eat day in and day out?

Just like the rest of you, I'm looking for new and exciting places to eat and have some fun at the same time, which is why this blog was created - to share with you the adventures (and hassles) that a food lover has to endure in search of a good find.

We're not picky eaters and we'll try everything and anything as long as it's edible!

Manila Food Finds!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Authentic Indian Cuisine by AUM New Bombay @ The Columns, Makati

Moving on with satisfying our desires for some of that unique Asian taste, we tried New Bombay located at the G/F Columns Tower I, Malugay St., Makati City.

Upon entering the place you will feel suddenly warped to India with the perfectly themed interiors plus the owner who himself is an Indian. Then there's a couple of Indian dining at the next table. A good indication of the authenticity of the the food served here. The paintings gave the place that homey feel combined with the chandeliers and the intricately designed chairs.

The smoked glass windows separates the dining area with the kitchen and gives you an idea how the chef prepares the meal. A sudden burst of fire inside the kitchen nearly shook me off my seat for once there. After some minutes of deliberation, we ordered their two of their special drinks, a curry dish, a chicken dish and some Indian bread.Let's start with the Flavored Lassi Yogurt which comes in strawberry, buko pandan, mango, ube and rose variants. We got the Rose flavored yogurt (pink one) that has that fine sourness draped in sweet and cool yogurt. The rose flavor tastes as much as the rose flower does smell (really) and gave much truth that the sense of smell acts as an amplifier to the sense of taste. A must try when you go here.

This next drink however didn't conform to my liking. I know the ingredients of this drink is clearly written in the menu but they did take it literally. It's indicated in the menu that the Chaas Butter Milk has coriander, cumin, ginger and chili. I can't complain since they didn't indicate it didn't have sugar in it! Hehe. The owner said that it's a very popular drink in India. The guy at the other table had his in about three sips from the straw. Well, as the ingredients point it out, it taste exactly like that. Some sourness and milk taste with the added pungent taste from the coriander and cumin. It was not hot though as what the owner had warned me. I suggest you put this off for your second or third visit. It's an acquired taste for sure. And I was hoping for the Buttermilk from Harry Potter. (LOL)

On to the main dishes...

The Roomali Special made with thin white flour bread is perfect for our next two dishes. The softness and hints of crunchiness adds texture while the buttery taste makes it a step ahead from regular rotti. It's a bit oily though so heads up for dieters and alike.

Can't eat in an Indian resto without trying their curry! We had the Mutton Curry (lamb) and honestly, I was really not impressed. I was expecting more of a twist to it but I reckon they sided more with the authenticity bit. Another thing was that I thought the dish was going to be a bit hot but it was not. A great curry dish nonetheless.

With our last dish, we ordered the Chicken Malai Masala. It's boneless chicken sauteed in masala and gravy and some grated cheese on top. This was an excellent offering, didn't taste a bit Indian to me but more like an American dish from Friday's. The chicken was cut rightly enough for easy pickings, the gravy was yummy and the cheese added a little salty touch to it. Another must try.

A good place for an Indian treat. Prices are wee bit on the high side for us, but that's expected for a resto with this caliber and their location - right smack in the corner of Ayala and Buendia. Serving size is good in relation to its price. Not a bad meal. Will try out more of what they have some other time.

Best Dish:Chicken Malai Masala

Worst Dish:Chaas Butter Milk - an acquired taste, not sweet!

They do have another branch at Glorietta Food Choices, 3/F, G4 Glorietta, Makati.